Washington, D.C. – A widespread surge of above-average temperatures is expected to spread across much of the United States from August 5–9, with one of the broadest heat signals of the summer covering dozens of states and affecting millions of Americans from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 Day Outlook issued July 30, more than 30 states are favored to experience above-normal temperatures during the period, with probabilities reaching or exceeding 80% across portions of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and parts of the interior West. The expansive ridge of high pressure is expected to keep temperatures running several degrees above seasonal averages while limiting widespread cooling through the period.
The heat will extend from Maine through Florida, across the Ohio Valley, Midwest, Great Lakes, and Plains, and westward into the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and much of California. Major metropolitan areas including Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, and Los Angeles are all expected to experience temperatures above typical early August levels.
While precipitation patterns will vary by region, much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are expected to see periodic showers and thunderstorms, while the Pacific Northwest, California, and portions of the interior West remain considerably drier than normal. Across the southern Plains and parts of the Rockies, persistent heat combined with limited rainfall may elevate wildfire concerns and increase stress on agriculture, livestock, and water resources.
The prolonged warmth could also increase electricity demand as millions rely on air conditioning during the hottest part of the day. Health officials recommend staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.
The expansive warm pattern is expected to persist through August 9, with additional outlooks from the National Weather Service and Climate Prediction Center determining whether the above-average heat continues into the following week.
